§ MR. MULHOLLAND (Londonderry, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the following statement is correct:—That in a drunken row, which took place outside Coleraine Railway Station on the 12th July, at about 7 o'clock, a man 1128 named O'Neill lost his life; that a man named Matthew M'Creedy, went to the police barrack and made a statement that the deceased had been struck and knocked down by a respectable and peaceable inhabitant of the town called John Galbraith; that M'Creedy admitted, on cross-examination, that he had been lying in a field drunk from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.; that Mr. Cuthbert, J.P., who went to the police barrack to receive M'Creedy's deposition, observed that he was drunk, and ordered him to be detained in a call for the night; that Galbraith was arrested on M'Creedy's information, detained in the police barrack for 24 hours, and only released after the verdict of the Coroner's jury had completely exonerated him from any connection with the unfortunate occurrence; and, if the facts are as stated, what action the Government propose to take in the matter?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: The Constabulary reports that O'Neill lost his life as stated in the Question. M'Creedy, immediately after the occurrence, said the deceased had been struck and knocked down by Galbraith. M'Creedy was not drunk. He was afterwards asked to the barrack, and when he arrived there he was under the influence of drink. At a subsequent examination he admitted having been lying in a field drunk as alleged. Mr. Cuthbert, J.P., was informed of Mr. M'Creedy's statement in the case, and that he was under the influence of drink. He then came to the barracks to see him. M'Creedy remained in the barrack for the night Galbraith was arrested at 7.50 p.m. on the 14th of July, and on the following morning he was brought before the magistrates. On his application, the investigation was adjourned till the afternoon, when it was resumed. The magistrates, on hearing the evidence, refused informations, and Galbraith was discharged. The Government do not consider that the case calls for further action on their part.